Do you know the most common injuries?
Fencing is a sport where overuse injuries are more common than acute injuries.
Fencers need to be quick, smooth and efficient in their movements. They need to avoid being hit by the opponent, and be ready to attack. Quick, explosive movements demand a lot of strength and motor skills. The player needs to be in control of her shoulders, back, hips, knees and ankles, all at the same time.
The most common injury in fencing is an ankle sprain. This can happen if the player falls out of the playing field or steps on the opponent’s foot. Muscle injuries can also occur from direct blows or from pulling muscles. Fencers can also get cuts and scrapes from their opponent’s weapon.
Because of the repetitive movements, fencers are vulnerable to overuse injuries, which can cause long-lasting problems in the knees, groin, back and shoulders.
Common injuries
- Back pain
- Groin pain
- Jumper's knee
- Hamstring strain
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Ankle sprain
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Achilles tendinopathy